Two Suspects Arrested After Armed Robbery at Depoe Bay Bank and Dramatic Getaway Car Fire
LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. — Two armed robbers who escaped with more than $50,000 in cash during a heist of the Columbia Bank in Depoe Bay, Lincoln County, have been arrested.
Franco Armando Mereno Jr. (37) of Portland and Jonathan F. Schwenter (43) of Candy are charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree kidnapping, and aggravated theft. They are lodged in the Lincoln County Jail.
The armed robbery took place at 11.48 a.m. on January 29 when the two men, with their faces concealed, entered the Columbia Bank and held the staff at gunpoint, demanding access to the vault.
They seized more than $50,000 in U.S. currency before fleeing southbound in a red sedan, without license plates, on Highway 101.
The Robbers Set Fire to the Get-Away Car
The robbers ditched and set fire to the car at a vacant lot near NE Stanley and E. Collins Street in Depoe Bay. They were then seen by a nearby resident leaving the area in a gray 4-door Toyota Camry.
- Jan 29 11:48 a.m. : Robbery reported at Columbia Bank, more than $50,000 taken
- Minutes later : Suspects flee south on Highway 101 in red sedan without plates
- Jan 29 : Sedan abandoned and set on fire near NE Stanley and E Collins Street
- 12:51 p.m. : Camry spotted near Don Davis Park, suspects detained in Newport area
The Newport Police spotted the gray vehicle near Don Davis Park at 12.51 p.m. Witnesses saw the men leaving the area on foot.
During a police search of the area, a Newport officer spotted a white male at the intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 20. The man matched the description of one of the suspects and was detained.
Not long after, the second male suspect was spotted and detained at Nye Beach.
K-9 Officers Magnum and Sly Locate Backpack With the Stolen Cash
K-9 Officers Magnum and Sly searched the Don Davis Park area and trails leading to Nye Beach. They located a large backpack that was found to contain the stolen bank stash. A search of their vehicle uncovered two weapons. The police also found clothing matching the description of their attire in a public trash can.
The Lincoln County Major Crime Team is investigating the case.